Ehrick K. Carragan, designer, builder and craftsman, died unexpectedly on the job in Edgartown on Jan. 3. He was 60.

He apparently suffered a heart attack. Death was instantaneous.

Born in Greenwich, Conn., on July 27, 1947, Ehrick attended Greenwich Country Day School, Berkshire Academy, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder.

Six-foot-four, with a full head of blond hair, Ehrick, known to many as “Big E,” had a genuine smile, kind nature and an original wit.

In addition to designing many homes on the Vineyard and in Vermont, Ehrick was involved in all aspects of construction and was a fine carpenter. While maintaining high standards, he kept work light and fun.

Ehrick had an affinity for the timeless American aesthetic, which he incorporated in his homes and at his camp in Maine. He enjoyed being on the water and sailing in particular, with a lifelong passion for multi-hull craft. Playing center into his forties, he often watched the Celtics. Ehrick, who played harmonica, loved the blues and blues performers such as Willie Dixon, Robert Johnson and Charles Brown. Throughout his life he enjoyed a healthy appreciation of the 3 W’s: water, women and whiskey.

Survivors include his constant companion, Farley J. Fox, a Shetland sheepdog; his partner and soulmate, June Sendrowski of Brooklin, Me., his brother Craig and sister-in-law Clare of Southbury, Conn.; scores of lifelong friends and admirers; his great aunt, Rita Hill of St. Louis; his nephew Greg Carragan of Charlottesville, Va.; his niece, Lisa Kyer and his great-nephew, Kolby Kyer; and numerous cousins in the Hunt, Husted and Hill families.

Ehrick was predeceased by his parents Craig S. Carragan and Hope Kilner Carragan.

A celebration of Ehrick’s life will be held at the Chilmark Community Center today, Friday, Jan. 11 at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the MSPCA, P.O. Box 2097, Edgartown MA 02539, or to the Natural Resources Council of Maine, 3 Wade street, Augusta ME 04330.